Bobby Simpson expects Katich to keep it simple against Proteas

Sydney, Dec.7 (ANI): Former Australian captain and opener Bobby Simpson expects current opener Simon Katch to maintain technical poise and adapt a simple approach while dealing with the South African pace trio of Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Morne Morkel during the upcoming Test series.

“I”m very pleased and proud of what he’’s been able to do. He’’s a lad who’’s approached the job in the simplest possible way, which is the way I like it. He’’s sorted out the technical things we”ve talked about and he’’s now doing them exactly as we planned about two years ago. I”ve got great pleasure from that, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Simpson, as saying.

“You”ve only got to worry about judging the length of the ball and doing the job. If you complicate it, you”re looking for trouble. That’’s been my whole philosophy with Simon and that’’s what we”ve done - simplify things as much as possible,” he added.

Simpson said Katich had displayed mental strength and was batting “with much greater balance and rhythm”.

Katich, on the other hand, said: “Balance refers to my footwork and positioning, particularly the drive. If you”re balanced, you can hit the ball a lot straighter. I”m more confident with that than perhaps three or four years ago. Rhythm refers to being able to face ball after ball and not worrying about the scoreboard, just getting through periods of an innings.”

“The South Africans have had a good 2008, but doing well on the Indian tour and also getting runs in Brisbane has given me a lot of confidence. I”ve been working hard and making the most of my opportunities. I”ve been lucky to get chances in the past six months while I”ve been playing well and I want to cherish every Test,” Katich said.

Katich scored a century and averaged just under 50 against India.

Katich knows he and Mathew Hayden have competition for their spots in the Australian team. The three frontrunners are Phil Jaques, Shaun Marsh and Phil Hughes. Each will be eyeing a berth on the Ashes tour next year.

The job now is to maintain Australia’’s home record. The last time Australia lost a home series was in 1992-93, when the West Indies won 2-1, decided by a one-run victory in Adelaide.

Before that, Australia was beaten at home, also by the West Indies, in 1988-89. (ANI)